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Bleeding Brain Cupcakes

Bleeding Brain Cupcakes

Bleeding Brain Cupcakes are the ultimate Halloween treat, combining a striking appearance with a delicious flavor that will mesmerize your guests. These vibrant red velvet cupcakes, filled with fruity jam and topped with whimsical pink icing, are perfect for spooky celebrations and themed gatherings. Their unique brain-inspired design adds an element of fun that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cupcakes can be the highlight of your dessert table or a playful addition to any festive event.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Makes approximately 12 cupcakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 150 g unsalted butter (softened)
  • 150 g caster sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 85 ml buttermilk
  • 165 g self-raising flour
  • 1 ½ tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 tsp red food coloring
  • 200 g strawberry or raspberry jam
  • For the icing: 200 g unsalted butter (softened)
  • 400 g icing sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • pink food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C fan/180°C/350°F and line a cupcake tin with black cases.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together softened butter and caster sugar until fluffy.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix until well combined.
  4. Incorporate buttermilk, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, red food coloring, and self-raising flour; mix until smooth.
  5. Fill the cupcake cases evenly with batter.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely on a rack.
  7. Core the center of each cupcake and fill with jam.
  8. Prepare the pink buttercream by mixing softened butter until creamy; add icing sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring until smooth.
  9. Pipe icing in a brain-like design on top of each cupcake.
  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Feel free to experiment with different flavors of jam or natural fruit juices for added creativity.